My grandmother once told me that nobody talked about cellulite back when she was younger because most women have it and it wasn't a big deal. Then she said sometime in the 50's or 60's, magazines started talking about getting rid of this new "problem" that nobody ever felt like they had. Soon, it was bad to have cellulite.

And now it is claimed (mostly online in diet-aid ads) that women in the 1950's didn't have cellulite, like it is something new that has appeared. Not the case. Back then, nobody was embarrassed about it and there was no need to fix it.

My advice - next time you want to talk badly to yourself about it, picture what you would say to a sweet, 30 year old mommy playing with her kiddos on a breezy beach. Would you comment about her thighs? Would you be unkind? I highly doubt it. And you deserve the same respect. :)

I think God gave us cellulite so we would be forced to accept our bodies no matter how imperfect it may be. Some people have big feet, some have or odd features. I have it, will always have it and I just use whatever means I can to keep it covered up. Thanks to God there are many people who have it and there are lots of clothing tricks to camoflage it!

I was intrigued by the Boston Marathon statement, so I looked it up and sure enough, in 1980 Rosie Ruiz "won" the marathon by cheating. They mentioned the lack of muscularity of her thighs amongst other things (high resting heart rate, no apparent sweat or fatigue, the fact that no one along the course saw her, etc). I couldn't find the specific cellulite quote referenced - only a general sense that a runner that would run a marathon in 2 and a half hours would have lower body fat on her legs.

Thanks everyone for the info and advice. I'm not sure about genetics - my sister is 5'2 and 100 lbs., with absolutely no cellulite. Or is it possible that my mom passed the gene on to me only (thanks mom) lol

I will look into strength training - in the meantime, I will keep up with my cardio...I love to walk and usually walk between 2-4 miles/day.

If you're just going for a temporary, cosmetic fix, creams and/or body brushing can reduce the appearance of cellulite for a couple of hours. But again, this is just a temporary thing if the outward appearance bugs you that much.

" I never will forget a woman who tried to cheat at the Boston Marathon who ran out near the finish line from the sidelines and when she was found to be a cheater, the official said "I knew she wasn't a Runner, because she had cellulite on her legs. "

What a horrible thing to say! That kind of fat shaming is unacceptable, and untrue to boot. I know *plenty* of endurance runners who DO have cellulite. If I had been in charge of the Boston marathon, I'd have fired that official for that comment.

Runners don't have less cellulite than other people. Endurance athletes tend to have a lower body fat percentage overall, but that has to do with all the sum-total of the exercise they do (which I assure you isn't just running) and a good diet which helps them shed fat. THAT is how you get rid of cellulite. Running won't give you fat-free legs because Archimedes already explained, spot reduction doesn't work. Muscles draw their energy from the bloodstream... not the surrounding fat stores.

PINK4YOUTOO
Posts:
508
6/24/13 8:17 A

It is just there!

AMANDA660
Posts:
881
6/24/13 8:02 A

This is one issue we have very little control over. We just have to handle the reality and not get too upset about it. My GF who is half my age and fit as a fiddle has more cellulite than I do so its the luck of the draw there.

I'd try running for exercise. I never will forget a woman who tried to cheat at the Boston Marathon who ran out near the finish line from the sidelines and when she was found to be a cheater, the official said "I knew she wasn't a Runner, because she had cellulite on her legs.

From what I have read, I guess running helps increase blood circulation to the legs, and it helps refresh the skin. Do look it up and see what you find. 42 is plenty young to be a runner.

Glad u have never allowed yourself to be fat. I was always thin until I was 41 and had my fifth child. I plan to be slim again.

SPARK_COACH_JEN
Posts:
62,408
6/24/13 6:24 A

You've gotten some great replies already. I just wanted to add a link to an article you might find helpful:

Wear shorts, enjoy the beautiful summer weather, almost everyone has cellulite! It's normal! People who don't have it yet will probably get it eventually. And no one is looking at your cellulite except you. It's not a reason not to wear shorts. Cellulite is basically genetic and unless you reduce your body fat to very low levels, you'll probably always have it, so it's best to accept your body and dress for comfort and express your personal style. Don't let it hold you back! :)

Unfortunately, we can't spot reduce areas of our body we don't like. It would be nice if we could, but we can't. IF you continue to eat right, watch your portions and get some regular exercise that includes some strength training, you will lose off your entire body. However, you don't get to decide where the weight comes off. Genetics makes that decision.

Most women don't realize that cellulite is nothing more than fat. If you decrease your body fat, you will decrease your cellulite. BUT, keep in mind, 90% of all the women in the world have cellulite. And there is nothing wrong with that. Even the thinnest supermodels have cellulite. We don't see it because it has been airbrushed out of the photos.

Pick up a copy of the National Enquirer or Star some time. They love printing photos of celebrities and their cellulite.

Having cellulite really is perfectly normal. If you have it, you'll never get rid of it entirely. That's why you shouldn't beat yourself up because you have it. Most women do and when you're on the beach, NO ONE will be looking at your legs. So, wear your shorts. Be comfortable ! At your current height, you are already at a healthy BMI. If you want more shape to your legs, then consider doing some strength training to add lean muscle. Lean muscle will give your body some definition.

Will it get rid of the cellulite ? nope. Once again, it's because most women have cellulite. The reason we're told it's bad is because there are a lot of industries who want you to buy their products to remove it. The fact is, you can't get rid of it if you already have it. the best you can do is reduce it and that means watching what you eat.

I'm 42, 5'6 and 143 lbs. I have never been over my ideal weight by more than 10 lbs., but I have cellulite not only on my thighs, but on my knees as well. Is there any way to get rid of it? I'd like to wear shorts in the summer, but I won't with these legs!! :-O

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